Process and form for making concrete columns



July 4, 1967 R, D. 'VEACH 3,329,747

PROCESS AND FORM FOR MAKING CONCRETE COLUMNS Filed June 22, 1964 I! IINVENTOR. in) .0. ram r United States Patent 3,329,747 PROCESS AND FORMFOR MAKING CONCRETE COLUMNS Roy D. Veach, St. Louis, Mo., assignor toAlton Box Board Company, Alton, 11]., a corporation of Delaware FiledJune 22, 1964, Ser. No. 376,663 Claims. (31. 264-31) This inventionrelates generally to concrete forms, and particularly to forms forcolumns, which forms are composed of a plurality of preformed tubes,each of length less than the column and arranged to be abutted end toend so as to produce a composite form for the column.

Concrete column forms of the character above mentioned are in quitecommon use, and the preformed tubes of which such forms are composed arecommercially available in standard lengths and standard cross-sectionalshapes and sizes. One type of such tube consists of paper convolutelywound on a mandrel of substantially rectangular cross-section, but suchtubes are limited in their commercially available lengths to the lengthof the mandrel available for producing them; and such length seldomexceeds about five feet. Other such preformed tubes are of circularcross-section, and are made by spirally winding paper or the like. Ineither event, the interior size and shape of the tube is controllablewith greater precision than the exterior size and shape thereof. Thelatter not infrequently varies from tube to tube as much as an eighth ofan inch. In the pouring of a concrete column for use in a buildingstructure, it is more often than not the case that the height of thecolumn is in excess of the commercially available length of preformedtube; and consequently it is necessary to stack the tubes one upon theother with their interior walls in alignment and their ends abutting, inorder to achieve the desired column height from such preformed tubeforms.

In such stacking of the tubes, a horizontal joint is formed where theupper end of one preformed tube abuts the lower end of the next tubeabove it. When such is done, however, the exterior surfaces of thepreformed tube forms are frequently in slight disalignment at theabutting ends. Some external connection between the superimposed tubesis thus desirable to maintain them not only in proper interioralignment, but to prevent their separation during use, as well as toconfine, as much as possible, the fluid concrete which is poured Withinthem. Heretofore, such a joint connection has been provided in the formof a sheet metal loop about the tubes, so as to overlap the joint. Sucha sheet metal loop must be bound together in some way which exertssuflicient force to maintain the connection between super-imposed tubeswhile they are being filled with concrete, and thereafter while theconcrete is setting.

When such sheet metal connectors are used at a joint Where there isexternal disalignment between abutting tube ends, they cannot, withfacility, be made to conform with the requisite snugness to the smallerof the two abutting tube ends without some such expedient as shimming.Moreover, such sheet metal joint connectors are not only diflicult toapply, but difficult to remove and, withal, can be used but once inconnection with rectangular tubes because, having been bent during itsfirst use and thus taken on a permanent set, the sheet metal cannot bedepended upon to conform itself to the contour of the column, in asecond usage, with such snugness as is desirable throughout thecircumference of the form. Even in the case of circular forms, Where thesecond usage of such a sheet'metal joint connection may be attempted onthe same size as was its original use, it is frequently 'found to bemore costly (the cost of labor being what it is) to go through thetedium of carefully removing the sheet metal joint in order to preserveit for future use than to cut it (and thus destroy it) and use a new oneon each occasion.

The object of the present invention, generally stated, is to provide ajoint connection, for use with preformed tubular forms of the characteraforesaid, which is not only quick and easy to apply, but quick and easyto remove, and, in addition, which may be used and reused time andagain.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a joint connectorwhich more effectively inhibits the loss of cementitious fluid throughthe joint where the ends of superimposed tubes abut than has beenaccomplished with the joint connectors heretofore employed.

Further objects will appear to those skilled in the art when thefollowing disclosure is read and understood.

The present invention contemplates, generally, a joint connector, forthe purpose aforesaid in'which the superimposed preformed tubes which,when joined together, constitute a composite form for a concrete column,in which a highly supple belt surrounds and bridges the joint, and isprovided with means for drawing it sufliciently taut thereabout tomaintain the superimposed tubes in proper relative position and, at thesame time, so snugly engage the end portions of each tube (irrespectiveof local non-conformities in their external surface) to effectivelyinhibit the excretion between the abutting tube ends of cementitiousfluid. Specifically, the invention contemplates such a belt which hassubstantially zero resistance to bending not only about axes extendingwidthwise of the belt (i.e., axially of the column), but also about axesextending lengthwise of the belt (i.e., circumferentially of thecolumn). Particularly, it is contemplated that the belt be formed ofmaterial which does not take on a permanent set once it has been bentseverely, as, for example, by being folded flat upon itself about aradius approximating the thickness of the belt.

The invention further contemplates the provision on such a belt of abuckle having tightening means of the capstan type, by which the beltmay be drawn taut about the joint and maintained so during use, but yetquickly and easily released when desired.

.For an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, reference maybe had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a composite form for a concrete columnconsisting of two lengths of preformed substantially square paperboardtubing, said lengths being superimposed one upon the other and theirabutting joint bridged by the connector of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an end view of the composite form shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIGURE 2 at thejoint area between the ends of superimposed tubes;

FIGURE 4 is a view in side elevation of the buckle employed in theillustrated embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 5 is an end elevation of the buckle shown in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of the buckle shown in FIGURES 4 and 5; and

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken along line 77 of FIGURE 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the form for a concretecolumn is provided by superimposing a preformed tube 1 upon a likepreformed tube 2. The tubes 1 and 2 may, for the sake of illustration,be considered as having a substantially square (albeit with roundedcorners) interior cross-section whose dimension may, for example, be onthe order of two feet in each direction. The tubes 1 and 2 are arrangedso that their ends abut at 3.

About the joint at 3, there is provided a connector which consistsessentially of a supple belt 4 and a buckle 5. The belt 4 may be made ofany of a variety of materials which are readily bendable without takinga permanent set, and which have sufficient tensile strength for thepurpose. For example, leather, leather-like materials, rubber-likematerials, and other synthetics, as well as metallic and non-metallicstrands interwoven or interlinked into strap-like form, may be employed.Preferably however, the belt is formed of webbing, that is to say, wovenmaterial of the general type usually employed for seat belts in aircraftand other vehicles, and in dunnage straps. Such webbing, woven fromnylon strands, is ideal for the purpose. Nylon webbing, however, hasseveral advantages. It inherently possesses the slight amount of stretchwhich enables it not only to conform to the exterior surfaces of bothsuper-imposed tubes 1 and 2 (where there are local disconformities inexterior dimension at the joint) but also to creep lengthwise in theprocess of tightening so as to equalize the pressure exerted against theexterior surfaces of the tubes adjacent the joint. Its coefficient offriction with the surface of the common preformed tubes is such thatlengthwise creeping is permitted as the force on the belt is increasedbut, with forces low enough to be practical in the field, its gripagainst such surfaces is sufiicient to prevent accidental displacementof the abutting ends of the tubes.

For best results in general application to the vast variety of sizes oftube forms, nylon Webbing, in the form of straps about three incheswide, a fraction of an inch thick, and long enough to exceed, by five orsix inches, the perimeter of the largest form, is recommended. For useon forms for columns having a perimeter of up to eight feet, nylon beltmaterial having the following physical properties:

Minimum load to produce conformation to A5" offset right angle to webface in is capable of reuse ten or more times even under conditions ofwetting. Webbing also has the capacity to absorb limited quantities ofcementitious fluids exuding through the joint, and by such absorption toform, in situ, a dam which inhibits further exudation thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the buckle 5 consists ofa U-shaped frame 6 having, toward the bight end, a pair of oppositeJ-shaped slots 7, adapted to releasably receive the ends of a pin 8disposed within fold 9 at one end of belt 4. The pin 8 may be entrappedwithin the fold 9, as by stitching the fold close to the pin, andproviding the pin with suitable locks to prevent its endwisedisplacement out of the fold, but to leave a length of pin projecting,say, a quarter of an inch at each side of belt 4.

At the open ends of frame 6, a capstan 11 is mounted for rotationrelative to the frame. The capstan 11 is provided with a slot 12 of sizesuflicient to pass belt 4. The slot extends diametrically through thereel part of the capstan, so that when the belt belt projects throughslot 12, a half turn of the-capstan will suffice to retain the belt inposition therein while under tension. At one end of the capstan, thereis provided an acircula-r projection 13 for selective engagement withpawl 14 to restrain the capstan against undesired unwinding. At itsopposite end, the capstan is provided with a projection 15 which ispreferably polygonal in cross-section in order to adapt it to be engagedby a wrench when desired. Additionally, for use when .a wrench is not athand, the projection 15 is provided with a pair of right angularlyextending holes 16 and 17 for the reception of a rod or tool or largenail providing the desired purchase for turning the capstan 11 to windthe belt thereon.

In the embodiment shown, the buckle 5 is also provided with an idlerroll 18 extending between the legs of the frame 6 adjacent slot 7. Suchan idler roll permanently positions that portion of belt 4 which isapproaching capstan 11 into closer contiguity which the end of belt 4 atpin 8 than would be the case if the portion of the belt approachingcapstan 11 were trained directly over the capstan. Idler 18 ispreferably so arranged within frame 6 that the thickness of belt 4slightly exceeds the distance between the periphery of idler 18 and theadjacent edge of frame 6. Similarly, I-slot 7 and pin 8 are preferablylikewise so proportioned and arranged. With such an arrangement of theparts, the inside surface of belt 4 is free to make contact with theexterior surface of tubes 1 and 2 with but a slight increment of joint 3not covered by the belt.

The buckle may, if desired, be provided with a loop 19 for engagementwith a hook, or the like, on a mechanical lift device so that the tubes1 and 2 may be assembled and connected together on the ground, and thenmechanically lifted to an elevated position for placement.

The width of belt 4 must be sufficient to provide it with a grippinginterface at the surface of tubes 1 and 2 that accidental separation atjoint 3 is prevented while the belt is taut, yet, as mentionedpreviously, the area of the frictional contact is preferably not sogreat as to prevent (particularly at the corners of rectangular tubessuch as 1 and 2) progressively increasing (from the remotest incrementof belt toward the buckle) increments of relative movement during theprocess of tightening the belt. Otherwise, non-uniformity of tension inthe belt may'exist when the belt is initially drawn up taut, and, in thecourse of time, such non-uniformities will tend to equalize themselves,and thus have the overall effect of relaxing the grip between the beltand tubes 1 and 2. These considerations favor making the belt of thenylon webbing material previously mentioned.

If desired, the belt 4 may be lined with a material which iscompressible (thickness-wise of the belt) when it is desired toinitially establish and maintain a good seal at joint '3. When thetubular forms are intentionally or unintentionally made with markedlyundulating exterior surfaces, such a resilient lining for belt 4 is evenmore important.

Given a belt 4 of length sufficient to embrace preformed tubes of thelargest available dimension, such a belt may be used on any smaller setof tubes, and may be used repeatedly.

A connector of the character hereinbefore described is easily appliedabout preformed tubes at the joint therebetween, and is readilytightened and locked in position without requiring special tools. Iteffectively holds superimposed preformed tubes in correct relativeposition, i.e., with their interiors in alignment, despite the fact thatthe exterior surfaces thereof (within manufacturing tolerances) may beout of conformity with each other to the extent of about a quarter of aninch (total diagonal or diametrical measurement) on the larger sizescommercially available. The connector, when made of webbing, serves as afilter for cementitious fluid which may exude at the joint, retainingsand and laitance from such fluid to choke further flow. When such abelt is made of nylon webbing, neither water soaking nor the alkalinityassociated with cement mixes has a deleterious effect, or any tendencyto cause the belt to stretch loose. If desired, the belt may be washedafter each use, or after each series of uses. After the concrete in theform has set, the belt connection of the present invention may bereleased instantaneously by dislodging pawl 14 from engagement withprojection 13, and exerting, if need be, a slight tension in theunwinding direction on the belt. The belt 4 may be readily replaced withreference to buckle 5 without the use of tools, and, vice versa, thebuckle 5, if damaged, may be readily replaced with reference to a beltwhose usable life is not yet exhausted. Thus, it is apparent that theconnector may be used over and over again, and as long as a reasonableamount of life (elongation under load and retraction when the load isreleased) remains in the belt, it serves its function as effectively aswhen new.

While a complete disclosure of one form of the invention has been given,it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the detailof the embodiment disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosed embodimentis susceptible of many variations and alterations which will immediatelypresent themselves to those skilled in the art, and such arecontemplated by and within the scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to besecured by Letters Patent is:

1. In the process of making columns of concrete wherein preformed tubes,each having length less than the de sired column, are aligned axiallywith their ends abutting, temporarily joined to produce a hollow form ofthe desired length, and filled with concrete, the improvement whichcomprises, forming the joint between the abutting ends of the tubes by(a) externally looping it with a belt which bridges the joint and lapsover the abutted tube ends for a substantial distance, (b) tighteningthe belt about the joint and (0) locking the belt in tightened position;said belt having substantially zero resistance to bending about axesextending widthwise thereof.

2. In the process of making columns of concrete wherein preformed tubes,each having length less than the desired column, are aligned axiallywith their ends abutting, temporarily joined to produce a hollow form ofthe desired length, and filled with concrete, the improvement whichcomprises, forming the joint between the abutting ends of the tubes by(a) externally looping it with a belt which bridges the joint and lapsover the abutted tube ends for a substantial distance, (-b) tighteningthe belt about the joint and (0) locking the belt in tightened position;the major portion of the length of said belt having substantially zeroresistance to bending about axes running widthwise and about axesrunning lengthwise thereof.

3. In the process of making columns of concrete wherein preformed tubes,each having length less than the desired column, are aligned axiallywith their ends abutting, temporarily joined to produce a hollow form ofthe desired length, and filled with concrete, the improvement whichcomprises, forming the joint between the abutting ends of the tubes by(a) externally looping it with a belt which bridges the joint and lapsover the abutted tube ends for a substantial distance, (b) tighteningthe belt about the joint and (0) locking the belt in tightened position;the belt being formed of nylon webbing and having an adjustable bucklefor connecting the belt about the joint, said buckle having releasablemeans for interlocking with one portion of the belt, and capstan meansfor interlocking with another portion of the belt.

4. A form for a concrete column comprising, a plurality of preformedtubes each having a length less than that of the column but each havingthe same interior crosssectional shape and dimensions, said tubes havingtheir ends abutting and their interior Walls aligned axially, and atextile belt externally surrounding said tubes and bridging the joint atthe abutting ends thereof.

'5. A form for a concrete column comprising, a plurality of preformedtubes each having a length less than that of the column but each havingthe same interior crosssectional shape and dimensions, said tubes havingtheir ends abutting and their interior Walls aligned axially, a textilebelt surrounding said tubes and bridging the joint at the abutting endsthereof, said belt having a buckle, releasable means for interlockingwith one portion of the belt, and capstan means for interlocking withanother portion of the belt.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 982,769 1/ 19 11 Eberle 249-482,641,817 6/1953 Broadheim 24269 2,750,064 6/1956 Clarke 220 I. SPENCEROVERHOLSER, Primary Examiner.

G. A. KAP, R. D. BALDWIN, Assistant Examiners.

1. IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING COLUMNS OF CONCRETE WHEREIN PREFORMED TUBES,EACH HAVING LENGTH LESS THAN THE DESIRED COLUMN, ARE ALIGNED AXIALLYWITH THEIR ENDS ABUTTING, TEMPORARILY JOINED TO PRODUCE A HALLOW FORM OFTHE DESIRED LENGTH, AND FILLED WITH CONCRETE, THE IMPROVEMENT WHICHCOMPRISES, FORMING THE JOINT BETWEEN THE ABUTTING ENDS OF THE TUBES BY(A) EXTERNALLY LOOPING IT WITH A BELT WHICH BRIDGES THE JOINT AND LAPSOVER THE ABUTTED TUBE ENDS FOR A SUBSTANTIAL DISTANCE, (B) TIGHTENINGTHE BELT ABOUT THE JOINT AND (C) LOCKING THE BELT IN TIGHTENED POSITION;SAID BELT HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY ZERO RESISTANCE TO BENDING ABOUT AXESEXTENDING WIDTHWISE THEREOF.